Man allegedly tries to set girlfriend on fire near homeless camp

September 7, 2026

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies on Friday morning arrested a man who allegedly tried to set his girlfriend on fire near a homeless encampment in the Montecito area.

On Thursday, shortly after 8:15 p.m., deputies responded to the area near Highway 101 and the Sheffield Drive onramp after a 911 caller reported that a woman was being threatened and that an attempt had been made to set her on fire, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies contacted the woman, they learned that she had been at a nearby encampment with her boyfriend, 47-year-old man Jason Tucker. While the couple was arguing, Tucker allegedly swung a large wooden stake at his girlfriend’s head as he was threatening her.

The woman fled the encampment and called 911. Tucker allegedly followed her and threatened to kill her before law enforcement arrived. He reportedly poured Tiki torch lighter fluid on her, causing the woman to fear for her life.

Responders provided medical attention to the victim at the scene.

Deputies, along with CHP officers and California State Parks personnel, conducted an extensive search of the steep and rugged terrain surrounding Ortega Hill. Initially, they were unable to locate Tucker. 

Shortly after 3 a.m. Friday, deputies returned to the encampment and found Tucker. The suspect surrendered and was arrested without further incident.

Deputies booked Tucker in the Santa Barbara County Main Jail on felony charges including assault with a deadly weapon, assault with caustic chemicals or flammable substances, criminal threats, and intimidating or attempting to prevent a victim or witness from reporting a crime. Tucker was being held with his bail set at $100,000.